North Jetty (Hikkaduwa) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here again. Let’s break down what’s happening in feet and miles per hour.

The first week is a total bust. From Thursday, August 13th through Monday, August 17th, it’s all onshore wind, cross-onshore chop, and storm threats. Wave heights are small, between 2ft and 5ft, but it’s all blown out and ugly. The energy in the water is weak to moderate at best – think 395 to 939 (moderate energy) – but the wind is just tearing it apart. Don’t even bother.

Things start to get interesting around Tuesday, August 18th. We get a proper groundswell from the SSW with a 19-second period – that’s a long period, which brings a lot of power. The combined energy jumps to 3360 (strong wave energy), but the swell is 7ft. That’s expert territory, so if you’re not confident, stay on the beach. The wind is still moderate cross-onshore, which is a real shame because the waves will be fat and a bit lumpy. It’s better than the week before, but it’s not clean.

The real standout is North Jetty (Hikkaduwa). It’s a point break, which is perfect for this long-period swell – it’ll wrap in and hold its shape. The optimum swell direction is SW, and we’re getting SSW, so it’s close enough. On Wednesday, August 19th morning, with the swell at 7ft and a 17-second period, and combined energy at 2693 (strong), this is the biggest and most powerful surf of the forecast. But it’s still cross-onshore, so it’s not going to be glassy. The morning of the 20th is similar: 6ft, 16-second period, strong energy (2209).

The water temperature is just average for this time of year, nothing unusual.

After that, the swell fades through the weekend of the 22nd-23rd, and we’re back to small, weak, and onshore. The second week gets a little pulse again around Tuesday, August 25th, with a 4ft to 5ft SSW swell and 16-second period, and combined energy climbing back to 1261 (moderate to strong). The wind is onshore, but it’s a gentle breeze, so it might be rideable for a few. The 26th of August has a similar vibe, 5ft to 5ft, 15-second period, and energy around 1221-1377 (moderate). Still not perfect, but it’s a step up from the junk we started with.

So, the best bet is the 18th to the 20th of August. The swell is solid, the period is long, and even with the cross-onshore wind, it’ll be the most powerful and consistent surf of the window. For a point break, that long period is a big plus. But don’t expect clean, peeling perfection. It’s a bit of a grunt session.

For the rest of it, honestly, it’s a lot of waiting. The gaps are long – from the 13th to the 17th, it’s dead. Then a few days of okay, then back to small. The 25th to 27th might be worth a look if you’re desperate.

Rusty.

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